TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – The USDA has put a hold on about $500 million in funding from its commodity credit corporation. This money was crucial for emergency food programs nationwide.
As a result, food banks are facing a tough situation. They rely on these funds to help those in need daily. At the Seagate Food Bank, dozens of volunteers work hard to assist over 150,000 individuals across nine counties each month. Normally, there’s a buzz of laughter and smiles among the volunteers, but recent news has brought an unsettling quiet.
Mindy Rapp, the executive director at Seagate, received an alarming email. It stated that orders for food, already approved, were suddenly canceled. On Tuesday alone, Seagate lost 19 loads of food worth $655,000. Most of this was protein, like meats and dairy—essential items many families struggle to afford right now.
Rapp believes these cancellations are linked to cuts in Emergency Food Assistance programs across the country. "When shelves are nearly empty, it leaves us hungry for answers," she said. She expressed frustration, saying, "Taking food from the mouths of vulnerable people is something I can’t understand."
To address the funding gap, Rapp is counting on community donations. "It’s always important, but now it’s vital," she emphasized. Despite the challenges ahead, Rapp is determined to support her team and the locals in Northwest Ohio. "We live in a great community. They have never let us down, so I have faith," she added.
The impact of these cuts can be felt across the country, affecting food banks trying to meet growing demand. According to a recent Feeding America report, nearly one in ten Americans struggle with hunger, and that number is rising. The challenges faced by food banks highlight the need for community support and advocacy as the situation unfolds.
For more information, you can visit Feeding America to see how you can help or stay updated.
Check out this related article: Critical USDA Funding Cuts Threaten Millions for Pennsylvania Farms and Food Banks Like Philabundance
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